Nine Months

By Dr. Brown

Babies are soon learning about cause and effect. Give him toys that do something: if you press the button, the light goes on or the sound is made. If you shake the toy, the noise is made. Babies also like lots of repetition, so let them do the same activity over and over again. They like to see the same consequence occur every time they hit the button or shake the toy.

This is the time to have a play cabinet where your child can keep busy taking out all the plastic bowls and pots. If in the kitchen, please watch out - this can be the most dangerous room in the house. Children are into the "in and out" concept. They love putting things in containers, but especially taking things out. Purses, drawers, diaper bags, all love to be emptied.

Your child will soon be learning to gesture. Teach him to wave bye-bye, clap hands, play peek-a-boo, and "give me five". Point to objects so that your child will mimic and begin to engage you and show what he wants.

You may want to consider learning "sign-language" to help your baby communicate. Studies have shown that babies who sign and communicate their needs and interests do very well emotionally and cognitively. There are several books where you can read about the topic as well as learn how to sign. Give this some serious consideration, even if you only use a few signs. Check the "Recommended Books" section - Special Topics, of our website for a recommendation.

If your child is ready, you may consider purchasing a push toy, like the lawnmower with bubbles, etc. My favorite is the shopping cart - it has a higher center of gravity and can be used by your child to put toys into and out of (the in and out concept).

Continue lots of verbal stimulation at this age as he begins to babble more. Read to your child. Your baby will repeat an act if he is given a very positive response from you - such as a big smile, laughter, clapping, etc. Since this positive response is agreeable to him, he'll be more likely to repeat the performance. If on the other hand the act is ignored, it will more likely be abandoned by your child as a non-rewarding activity. Your child is beginning to show "learned" behavior, try to catch your child "being good", rather than using a negative approach.

Allow your child time for independent play. If he's playing nicely by himself, let him! He may want you in the same room, but you don't have to be actively engaging him. Giving an occasional nod or smile will help keep your child on task.

For most children, the feedings can really be expanded at this time. If your son hasn't been taking finger foods by now, he should be! In fact most children at this age can eat small pieces like Cheerios. If your child is fine with Cheerios, then offer smaller pieces of vegetables and fruits. It's also time to start meats - like shredded chicken, turkey, and ground beef. Encourage your child to eat more and more table (finger) foods. While your child is busy trying to feed himself, you can be sneaking in a few extra spoonfuls of his pureed foods. This is also a good time to start a sippy cup. Many of the sippy cups are spill proof and contain valves. You may have to take the valves out until your child learns how to drink well, eventually replacing them to save your house from the mess.

Your child should still stay away from raw honey and anything that he/she may choke on. At this time, children are generally fine to take foods like cheese, yogurt, tomato, strawberry, and orange juice. Of course, you always need to watch for any reactions to food. Your child still needs to be on formula or breast milk until a year of age. Some babies become less interested in formal meals at this time. This commonly occurs for two reasons: their growth rate begins to slow down, and babies begin to become more interested in other things besides eating.

SLEEP

Most babies are taking two good solid naps by now. A very small number will begin to drop down to one nap per day. Most babies are sleeping 10-12 hours per night. Your child should not be taking any juice, breast milk, or formula during the night, especially if he has teeth.

SAFETY

As mentioned above, watch out for choking and poisonings. There is controversy whether or not to give activated charcoal or syrup of Ipecac for poisonings. You may want to have both at home, but first call Poison Control to see which if any to give. Both activated charcoal and Ipecac can be purchased at the pharmacy without prescription. Poison Control telephone number is: 800/222-1222.

This is really a big time to child-proof the home. Install locks on cabinets that contain dangerous cleaning supplies, medicines, etc. Watch out for electrical cords and sockets. Check under furniture for any items that your exploring child may find and choke on. Gate stairs and other hazards. Its also a good idea to turn your hot water heater down to 120 degrees to avoid scalding. Close the bathroom door so your exploring child won't play in the toilet!

Remember to always use the car seat. Many children will need to be in a bigger car seat, but still rear facing until he is at least 20 pounds and one year of age.

Be careful when holding hot liquids. Your mobile child may sneak up on you!

COMMON PROBLEMS

Feeding

Please don't allow your child to develop bad habits. As snacking becomes more common, be sure to continue to have formal feeding times. Choose healthy snacks such as fruits, vegetables, etc. Not only are these good foods to snack on, but your child will (hopefully) develop the habit of snacking on good foods.

Diaper Rashes

Diaper rashes can become common again due to the greater variety of foods your child will be eating. Remember: letting the diaper area "air out", then applying a good barrier cream is one of the best ways to help this.

Safety

Need I say more? By the way, never call medicines "candy".

Shoes

The best way for your child to learn to walk is either barefoot or in stocking feet. There is no need to buy special shoes. If you do buy shoes, make sure the sole is soft and flexible.

Discipline

Now that your baby is beginning to move, it is time to start setting limits. A firm "NO" followed by distraction should keep your child away from danger. Try to not always use the word "NO"; sometimes say "hey-hey" or "uh-oh" or call your child's name to stop him. Anticipation is most important at this time - keeping your child out of trouble is better than always saying "NO" to him or her. Look for potential dangers and put them away before your child gets to them.

VISION

If there are concerns about your baby's vision you can either discuss this with the doctor, or visit the website: www.infantsee.com. On this site you can find more info and a list of optometrists who can check your baby (in many cases this exam is performed for free!) Please see the website for further info.

AUTISM

If you have any concerns, please see the section below "Special Topics" - Autism.